Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Nov 10: In the midst of opposition by BJP and several other organizations, the state government has gone ahead with the celebrations of Tipu Jayanti today. Programmes are being held in district and taluk headquarters in this respect. Several protesters have been rounded up.

Although prohibitory orders are in force in Kodagu district, large scale protests are being held at Madikeri. A number of protesters have been taken into custody by the police.

Stones were pelted at a bus belonging to Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation at Kalur, Madikeri. Martyr's day is being observed all over Kodagu district in memory of Kuttappa, who lost his life during Tipu Jayanti last time.

Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan and MLC Sunil Subramani were detained for opposing the Tipu Jayanti event by waving black flags.

The district wears deserted look on par with the situation witnesses during bandh call.

Most of the shops and commercial establishments downed their shutters on their own and private buses suspended their services. A few KSRTC buses were seen plying. Government offices were open and post offices and banks were open. Police personnel were present everywhere in the city.

As many as 102 people in Madikeri, 30 in Virajpet and 40 in Somwarpet were taken into custody and released later. 

Miscreants cut trees and put them across main roads in the night near Kadagadalu and Chettalli. Police removed them on Friday morning itself.

There was support as well as opposition for the celebrations of Tipu Jayanti at old Vidhan Sabha auditorium at Madikeri fort.

MLC Sunil Subramani said that Tipu Jayanti should not be celebrated as Tipu Sultan had betrayed the people of Kodagu. District Congress leaders said that the matter should have been explained to the chief minister. While BJP leaders shouted slogans against the celebrations, Congress leaders shouted slogans in favour of the celebrations.

Protesters sat in the auditorium wearing black strips. Police took them into custody and released them later.

The programme was presided over by Vidhana Parishad member Veena Achayya was inaugurated by Reshme Marata Mandala president T P Ramesh.

Leaders and activists of BJP, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Jagarana Vedike and Vishwa Hindu Parishad who were at Omkareshwara temple premises to proceed to fort premises condemning Tipu Jayanti celebrations, shouting slogans against the government were arrested by the police and released later.